Pre-Departure Information

Congratulations on your decision to study abroad!Now that you are officially accepted into your study abroad program, it is time to begin finalizing your study abroad preparations!

Required Pre-Departure FormsSaint Louis University requires all students to complete a few online forms prior to departure, to prepare for your upcoming international experience.. Please log in to your Billikens Abroad account, using your SLU username (without the @slu.edu) and password, to review the necessary requirements and contact the Office of International Services with any questions you may have. You may access Billikens Abroad through the tools tab in mySLU.

Passport and Visa InformationPlease note that you must have a passport to travel abroad and many study abroad destinations require a student visa. Please read this section carefully as it provides additional information regarding passports and visas. Applying for a visa can be a lengthy process. It is important to review the visa requirements and application procedure for your host country, so you may initiate an application as soon as you receive your formal acceptance.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of International Services.

Planning and PreparationPreparing for your semester abroad can be an exciting and occasionally overwhelming task. Please review this Planning and Preparation section, including the Pre-Departure Preparation list, to help get you started.

Personal Identity AbroadInternational experiences provide not only an opportunity to gain an appreciation and understanding of a different culture, but a unique perspective on your own culture, particularly as is relates to personal identity. Countries throughout the world have different perspectives on disability, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, and gender. In order to maximize your experience abroad and set appropriate expectations, it is important to research your host country prior to departure, as well as any countries you intend to visit during your time abroad. The personal identity abroad portion of the webpage provides additional information and resources as you prepare for your journey!

Study Abroad HandbookPreparing for your semester abroad can be somewhat overwhelming, so we have prepared this handbook to assist you every step of the way. Please use this handbook as a reference tool before, during, and after your time abroad. Careful planning and research, prior to departure, often helps students manage their study abroad expectations and foster positive academic, personal, and professional experiences.

Withdrawal Policy (Non-Madrid)Once you confirm your intent to enroll in a study abroad program, Saint Louis University assumes that you intend to study abroad through that program, until the date the Office of International Services is notified otherwise. Please thoroughly review the Saint Louis University withdrawal policy, should you choose to withdraw from your study abroad program.